Note to the best man: Be tasteful in your toast

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published
7:00 pm EST, Tuesday, January 11, 2005

�DO start off by introducing yourself and thanking everyone for attending, explaining your connection to the groom and sharing a funny (but tasteful) story about your friendship. Skip the inside jokes!

�DON'T forget to talk about the bride and why she's the perfect match for your buddy, perhaps telling a quick story about the first time you were introduced to the bride or how you knew the groom was falling for

�DON'T mention any of the following: ex-girlfriends, former "player" status, alcohol or drug use, violence, anything sexist, or anything negative about the wedding or family members.

�DO talk about what a bright future they'll have and wish them lots of luck in their life together - you may want to throw in relationship advice or other sources of wisdom such a quotations, song lyrics, poems or literary passages.

�DON'T forget a conclusion. Raise your glass and ask the audience to do

the same.

�DO practice. You'll feel much calmer when delivering the toast if you know it well. Make sure it's no longer than three to five minutes. Go for quality over quantity.

�DON'T have more than one drink before toast time.

�DO use notecards to remember your main talking points. Stiff cards are better for shaky hands than flimsy paper.

�DON'T rush. Take a deep breath and look around the room before starting your speech.

�DO pause if you get a laugh. Wait until it dies down before moving on to your next unbelievably witty line.

�DON'T lose confidence if one of your funny bits misses its mark. You may be the only one who noticed, so just keep going and don't give it a second thought.